brake fluid

[Ted K.]

I need to top off the brake fluid on recently purchased 1966 roadster. The brake fluid has no odor, that an old man can smell, or beter put it does not smell like dot 3 brake fluid. Any way to tell for sure what type of fluid is currently in the car? If it is silicone what will mix with it if anything, and is it availabe in the local parts stores.
Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: brake fluid

Ted-----

Remove some of the fluid from the master cylinder and place it in a small, clear glass jar or vial. Add some DOT 3 fluid or water. Shake the bottle vigorously and let it stand for 10 minutes, or so. If you note a phase separation (i.e. two distinct "layers" of liquid), then the fluid in the master cylinder is DOT 5 silicone. If the fluid appears completely homogeneous after the 10 minutes, then it is DOT 3 or 4 glycol-based fluid.